CHRISTY CASEY NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Familiar face takes on leadership role as Affiliate focuses on increasing access to breast health services in rural regions

AUSTIN, Texas (May 18, 2010) — The Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® announced today that it has named Christy Casey as its Executive Director.  This is the first change in leadership for the Affiliate in its 10-year history. 

Casey brings to Komen Austin significant management and administrative experience.  She most recently worked at GSD&M Idea City as Supervisor of Client Services, responsible for the management and operations of the department.  Prior to that Casey directly managed client accounts which included AT&T, 7-Eleven and the Texas Lottery with budgets ranging from $2 million to $50 million.  She began her career at the agency more than 13 years ago as an executive assistant and rose through the ranks to oversee a department of nearly 100 employees. 

Casey is a familiar face to Komen Austin, having served as its Race Operations Manager since 1999.  Under her direction, Casey has helped the Austin Race for the Cure grow in size from 500 to more than 21,000 participants.

“We are pleased to be able to hire someone so dear to our heart,” said George Noelke, president of the board for the Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen.  “Christy has significant business experience and respected relationships within the community that will support and benefit the work done at the Affiliate.” 

Casey will oversee the Affiliate’s $2 million dollar budget, five full-time and three part-time employees. Last year, Komen Austin released a community profile that highlighted a significant need for increased access to services in Austin’s surrounding rural regions.  Casey will be focused on growing the Affiliate’s scope and geographic area of its mission, specifically aiding the underserved populations of Bastrop and Caldwell Counties. 

“I am a tremendous advocate of the Cause and I’m honored to take the helm and help guide us to future successes,” said Casey. “I look forward to the day that there is a Cure, but until then the Austin Affiliate will continue to fight for and serve the women and men of Central Texas facing this life-threatening disease.”

The Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1999.  Money raised by participants of the Susan G. Komen Austin Race for the Cure® is invested locally to serve residents in a five-county region. 

Susan G. Komen Austin has provided more than $7 million in funding to local community clinics, hospitals and health care organizations for breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, research for a cure.  The 2010 Susan G. Komen Austin Race for the Cure will be held on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at the Domain in North Austin. 

Contact:  Heather Alexander
Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
512-473-0900
halexander@komenaustin.org